News

Welsh drinking water quality failures caused by home plumbing

Published

2 years ago

November 15, 2023

DRINKING water supplies in Wales are overwhelmingly high quality, with 99.97 per cent of water supplied to homes and businesses passing crucial water quality tests, according to the Drinking Water Inspectorate’s annual report.

However, routine water samples conducted by water companies reveal more than a third of tests which fail to meet the standard were caused by poor internal plumbing. This included the presence of bacteria and chemicals as well as taste and odour problems.

Poor plumbing practices and unsuitable fittings are one of the main causes of drinking water quality being affected, after it has been transferred safely from water mains into people’s homes.

Using unsuitable or non-compliant products can allow bacteria to form. In one such case in Wales, a shower head fitting had been attached to a kitchen tap, causing bacteria to grow inside the attachment.

Householders are advised to only install compliant plumbing products. To be compliant with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations, products must be tested to ensure they meet standards and are fit for use.

Now WaterSafe, the UK register for approved contractors working with drinking water, is urging homeowners and property managers to always employ someone who is officially approved to work on their plumbing system – to help maintain the quality of their drinking water.

Julie Spinks, Director at WaterSafe, explains: “Using a WaterSafe approved contractor for any work on your water supply pipe or internal plumbing is one of the easiest ways to help protect you and your family.

“Simple plumbing tasks can make a big difference, such as making sure that your taps are clean and in good working order, and never fitting any unapproved device to them, such as shower heads.

“Using a WaterSafe approved plumber gives customers reassurance that they are using a competent and qualified professional to maintain high-quality drinking water within their homes.”

Marcus Rink, Chief Executive of the Drinking Water Inspectorate, explains: “Overall, drinking water in England is extremely high quality, meeting 99.97% compliance with the required standard.

“It’s important that we are not complacent as our annual report details more than a third of the samples which failed to meet the required standard were due to problems with internal plumbing.

“We’d caution people to avoid unqualified installers who may inadvertently cause water supplies to become contaminated, and to instead choose a suitably qualified, approved, plumber.

“Consumers should use an installer who is approved through a national accreditation body for competent and qualified installers, such as WaterSafe.”

The annual water quality reports summarise the results of the hundreds of thousands of water quality tests which UK water companies carry out each year on the water they supply from water treatment works and clean water storage tanks, to customers’ own homes.

These tests are analysed at specialist laboratories, with the results reported to water watchdog, the Drinking Water Inspectorate.

Crime

Carmarthen man denies coercive control allegations

Published

40 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody ahead of further hearing

A CARMARTHEN man has denied allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his partner during a prolonged period of alleged abuse.

Mark Hanson, aged 51, of no fixed abode but previously linked to Llangunnor Road, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for a further case management hearing on Wednesday (Mar 19).

The court heard that Hanson is accused of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship, contrary to Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.

It is alleged that between January 1, 2024 and March 12, 2026, at Stackpole, Hanson repeatedly or continuously subjected a female to threats of violence. Prosecutors say the pair were partners at the time, and that the behaviour had a serious effect on the complainant, which Hanson either knew or ought to have known.

Hanson entered a not guilty plea to the charge on March 13.

The court was told that he has been remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, with magistrates citing concerns that he may commit further offences, including causing injury or fear of injury to a person connected to the case.

Additional information presented to the court indicated that Hanson is currently serving a custodial sentence of two months for breaching a Domestic Violence Protection Order.

The case was adjourned for a further case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 23) at 10:00am. The hearing is expected to be conducted via video link and is listed for a duration of 20 minutes.

Magistrates Mr A Allison, Mrs J Morris and Mr D England presided over the hearing. The prosecution was led by Sian Vaughan, with Hanson represented by Alaw Harries of DGJ Solicitors.

News

Pembrokeshire’s Muslims gather to celebrate Eid al-Fitr as Ramadan ends

Published

46 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MUSLIMS across Pembrokeshire are marking the end of Ramadan with celebrations for Eid al-Fitr, one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar.

Members of the local Muslim community gathered once again at the Hamad Bin Khalifa Islamic Centre in Milford Haven on Thursday morning (Mar 20) to pray, share food, and celebrate together following a month of fasting from dawn to sunset.

Eid al-Fitr begins with special morning prayers, before families and friends come together to enjoy meals, exchange gifts, and spend time with loved ones. It is also a time for charity, reflection, and strengthening community ties.

Local businesses, many run by members of the Muslim community, often close or operate reduced hours during the celebrations, as families take time to mark the occasion.

Herald Editor Tom Sinclair, who previously attended Eid celebrations at the centre, said: “It is always a privilege to be invited to such a warm and welcoming event.

“The sense of community is clear to see, and after a month of fasting, it is a real moment of joy for everyone involved.

“Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating across Pembrokeshire.”

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast during daylight hours as an act of worship and self-discipline.

The festival is a time of celebration and generosity. People wear new or their best clothes, visit family and friends, and often give to charity to ensure that everyone can take part in the festivities.

Across the world, Eid is celebrated in different ways, but the message remains the same: unity, gratitude, and goodwill.

Crime

Youth, 15, admits assault on police officer in Milford Haven

Published

60 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A 15-YEAR-OLD has admitted assaulting a police officer during an incident in Milford Haven.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offence took place on Saturday (Mar 1), when the youth assaulted Police Constable 573 Evans.

The defendant appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where a guilty plea to common assault was entered.

The court granted unconditional bail and adjourned the case for sentencing.

The youth is due to appear again at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 2) at 10:00am for sentencing. The hearing is expected to last around 30 minutes.

Under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, the youth cannot be identified.